That confirms exactly what I was saying a page ago. Flipping the top fan does make a massive difference to CPU temps. I now use a 140mm top fan as exhaust at 500 rpm and get good temps and very low noise.

Yes, I did read that article after you posted it - thanks for the link. For some reason I missed it in following the reviews of the SG09. It seems a major design flaw having the top fan as intake.

the top fan as intake is not a design flaw. it's the same design carried over from the SG07/08 which originated in the FT01 design. the intention for the top 180mm intake is to supply cool air onto the twin tower CPU cooler which the case is designed for.

as for the SPCR review, they were not using the correct CPU cooler for the SG09. they listed the test system as using a NH-C12 which is a low profile cooler (even tho in the pic of the system it clearly showed a NH-U12P SE2) . there is no reason to use a low profile(or a single tower design) cooler in the SG09 since there are plenty of space for a twin tower design cooler. their test was not optimized to take advantage of the case design, therefor their result is somewhat flawed in this case.

I fully respect SPCR's opinions, however in this particular review, I believe their choice in CPU cooler skewed the results they should have gotten. had they gone with a superior twin tower cooler like the D14, their results would have been different IMO. by their measurements the case allows for a 169mm tall cooler, which opens up alot of options that would take advantage of the cooling that AP181 could supply.

Yes, I did read that article after you posted it - thanks for the link. For some reason I missed it in following the reviews of the SG09. It seems a major design flaw having the top fan as intake.

the top fan as intake is not a design flaw. it's the same design carried over from the SG07/08 which originated in the FT01 design. the intention for the top 180mm intake is to supply cool air onto the twin tower CPU cooler which the case is designed for.

as for the SPCR review, they were not using the correct CPU cooler for the SG09. they listed the test system as using a NH-C12 which is a low profile cooler (even tho in the pic of the system it clearly showed a NH-U12P SE2) . there is no reason to use a low profile(or a single tower design) cooler in the SG09 since there are plenty of space for a twin tower design cooler. their test was not optimized to take advantage of the case design, therefor their result is somewhat flawed in this case.

I fully respect SPCR's opinions, however in this particular review, I believe their choice in CPU cooler skewed the results they should have gotten. had they gone with a superior twin tower cooler like the D14, their results would have been different IMO. by their measurements the case allows for a 169mm tall cooler, which opens up alot of options that would take advantage of the cooling that AP181 could supply.

the top fan as intake is not a design flaw. it's the same design carried over from the SG07/08 which originated in the FT01 design. the intention for the top 180mm intake is to supply cool air onto the twin tower CPU cooler which the case is designed for.
as for the SPCR review, they were not using the correct CPU cooler for the SG09. they listed the test system as using a NH-C12 which is a low profile cooler (even tho in the pic of the system it clearly showed a NH-U12P SE2) . there is no reason to use a low profile(or a single tower design) cooler in the SG09 since there are plenty of space for a twin tower design cooler. their test was not optimized to take advantage of the case design, therefor their result is somewhat flawed in this case.
I fully respect SPCR's opinions, however in this particular review, I believe their choice in CPU cooler skewed the results they should have gotten. had they gone with a superior twin tower cooler like the D14, their results would have been different IMO. by their measurements the case allows for a 169mm tall cooler, which opens up alot of options that would take advantage of the cooling that AP181 could supply.

I think the reviewer just didn't understand that the top fan as intake solves the problem of CPUs being "cooled" by rising GPU heat. The AP141 is supposed to create a buffer of air to compartmentalise the inside of the case, keeping CPU air separate from GPU air. That's why you need to run either with closed-shroud blower GPU or use the 80mm to exhaust underneath. I emailed the reviewer and suggested to retest airflow with an 80mm fan installed, but he basically said if Silverstone thought the 80mm fan was important they should have sent him one.

I think the reviewer just didn't understand that the top fan as intake solves the problem of CPUs being "cooled" by rising GPU heat. The AP141 is supposed to create a buffer of air to compartmentalise the inside of the case, keeping CPU air separate from GPU air. That's why you need to run either with closed-shroud blower GPU or use the 80mm to exhaust underneath. I emailed the reviewer and suggested to retest airflow with an 80mm fan installed, but he basically said if Silverstone thought the 80mm fan was important they should have sent him one.

i wouldn't fault the reviewer in not using additional fans, it's SPCR afterall adding more fan = adding more noise source which is not the main focus of their site/readers. their attempt is to achieve the lowest noise level while providing acceptable temps. not maximum performance with acceptable level of noise. the focus of OCN and the focus of SPCR somewhat conflict in this aspect so neither is right/wrong, just difference in opinion. i'm sure the reviewer did his best to represent the interests and intentions of their readers which is somewhat different then what OCN readers are after.

once again. I fully respect SPCR reviews and is a loyal follower to what they represent. just this one review I feel they could have selected a better CPU cooler to reflect the capability of the SG09 better.

i'm sure the reviewer did his best to represent the interests and intentions of their readers which is somewhat different then what OCN readers are after

Yeah, I guess I struggle with this. The SG09 is definitely aimed at the SFF high load market; during development they seem to have focussed on SLI systems, evidenced by the 4 fan GPU setup. In that sense, the review's target audience is justifiably warned away from this case.

I'm currently researching a new gaming build and plan to go with this case. I will be gaming at 1440p and my plan is to start off with 1 mid range card and later on add a second one in SLI/Crossfire. I do notice a lot of people that go with this case are going with Nvidia since they run cooler and quieter in the smaller space allowed. However, I am also thinking of best bang for buck and wondering how hot would 2 HD7950 in Crossfire run and would I be able to get past 1ghz OC on each?

I am aware of the current Crossfire driver issues and I would only be starting off with one and adding the second at a later time, maybe then the micro stutter is resolved. I find incredible value in this combo, just would like to know anyone's input that has gone with this setup. Thanks!